Sukiyucky

Tuesday morning was raining, but forecast to improve before noon so we took our time getting going although we didn't sleep any later. We've all been falling asleep early and waking up early every day. When the weather cleared we walked to a nearby station to get an underground train to Sanjusangendo. Sanjusangendo is Japan's longest wooden structure and contains 1 large Buddha statue and 1000 human sized statues, 500 on each side.

Sanjusangendo 

Sanjusangendo 

After touring Sanjusangendo and the surrounding grounds we returned to our hotel and asked the concierge for advice on someplace to visit excepting temples and shrines. She suggested the Nishiki food market. It was only a ten minute walk from the hotel so we followed her recommendation. Before entering the market we stopped at a fast food restaurant where I got a burger with egg and potato salad on it, and Elliott tried some pancakes covered in chocolate syrup with custard drizzle.

Pancake lunch

We strolled through the narrow street of the food market and were amazed at the varieties of food available. Many kinds of vegetables and seafood were displayed, some on skewers that were intended to be purchased and eaten on the spot as a snack. It was an interesting cultural exposure.

Nishiki market

Octopuses 

Later we made plans to walk to the Gion district, famous for its charming buildings and restaurants, but mostly for the Maiko and Geiko that can be seen there. When they appear, tourists flock around them with cameras clicking, though they don't appear to enjoy their celebrity status.

Gion 

Maiko

A theater in Gion presents a nightly show of Japanese arts and culture. We attended a performance while we were there and enjoyed the condensed introduction to Japanese tea ceremony, music, dancing, and theater.

Tea ceremony 

Theater

We completed our evening with a walk back to the hotel and a very good buffet dinner. Elliott enjoyed the beef curry with rice and we all savored the chocolate fountain dessert. Tuesday was our last day in Kyoto. Wednesday we travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). I'm looking forward to the experience.